Located in the scenic town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Ō-Hu Shrine is a sacred Shinto site dedicated to the deity Ō-Hu no Okami, a kami believed to reside in the surrounding mountains. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural location, with a traditional thatched-roof main hall and a forested grounds. Its primary purpose is to protect travelers and hikers who traverse the nearby Kusatsu Onsen and the Japanese Alps.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ō-Hu no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Ō-Hu no Okami, Nikko Tōshō-gū's Kamakura-maiden
- Coordinates
- 36.4217221, 139.1592537
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, be sure to purchase a pass for the nearby Kusatsu Onsen bus and enjoy a hot spring soak before visiting the shrine at sunset.
Cultural notes
In Japanese folklore, Ō-Hu no Okami is said to reside in a sacred mountain near the shrine, protecting travelers from harm. During the New Year's (Oshogatsu) festival, devotees offer food and incense to the deity in hopes of good luck and prosperity.
Historical note
Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), Ō-Hu Shrine has been in operation for over 1,200 years.